By Gerardo Bolong
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
AUBURN -  The build back process continued for the Mt. Rainier volleyball team in a three-set NPSL 4A victory at Auburn on Tues., March 23.
The visiting Rams improved to 2-0 while the Trojan record moved to 0-4.
Winning the match up was important, but getting players healthy and improving coordinated play were bigger factors.
“We’re getting players back while the players out there are fighting hard,” said MRHS head coach Kepa Cummings. “The girls are getting healthier and getting better. Through this COVID situation, the team is starting to mesh together and play well as a team. They have the desire to play and I’m guiding them through.”
The first set showed Mt. Rainier trailing 9-8 before some nice kill shots, especially off Bresies Lamafa’s serving, turned the lead in favor of the Rams at 13-9.
My. Rainier kept extending its lead and was in command at 20-12 at one point before closing out the set on a 5-0 scoring run for a 25-16 surge.
With Calia Dowell manifesting herself with kill shots from all over the court, MRHS broke a 7-7 tie with six consecutive points.
Sailing away to a 13-7 margin, the Rams eventually powered away for leads of 17-8 and 20-9 before securing the set at 25-12.
Alyna Brown, Clara Crosby, Marissah Banuelos, Leah Roe, and Jayla Poole joined in a strong team effort.
MRHS completely dominated the third set with defensive digs, solid serving, blocks and solid shots to win 25-15.
Crosby showed effective serving throughout.